Images courtesy of dwp|suters. 

Multi-award winning architectural practice dwp|suters, in collaboration with Sandover Pinder Architects and the WA Institute of Sport, are nearing the final stages of completing Western Australia’s newest training facility. The Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) is situated in Perth’s sporting precinct, the western suburb of Mount Claremont, and at a cost of 33 million tax funded dollars, the project is an homage to Australia’s continued dedication towards nurturing emerging talent.

Western Australia’s elite athletes will train at the WAIS for 18 solid months before the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. dwp|suters have fully embraced technology, and as one would expect from such a project, the features are many. At the flick of a switch, the building itself is capable of simulating high altitude conditions, while hydraulic underground systems raise floors levels to mimic an inclined surface for runners.

 Mike McGrath, dwp|suters Sport and Leisure Leader recently visited Perth to monitor construction progress and meet with project collaborators. Listing the the most impressive features he stated, ‘We’ve designed an impressive centre that incorporates rehabilitation and recovery facilities, a strength and conditioning gym, hydrotherapy and ice recovery pools, altitude training, environmental and physiology laboratories, indoor sports hall, coaching and administration… The entry statement is currently being installed, it will be a striking addition to the precinct”.

dwp|suters are well known for their visionary, large scale projects, often thinking beyond architectural confines to create lasting impact on people and environments. With portfolios dedicated to lifestyle, community, workplace and infrastructure, their buildings aim to inject communities and organisations with a sense of place and pride.

dwp|suters with Sandove Pinder are also the force behind a new West Australian Netball Centre located within the Wembley Sports Park Development. The first of its kind, and a welcome change for a low profile sport like netball, not often on the receiving end of such significant investment. The facility includes four international standard indoor courts, elite level change and training facilities, Netball WA administrative offices, catering and function spaces, plus support facilities.

Also referred to as the High Performance Institute of Sport, the WAIS is initially intended to provide a competitive advantage at Olympic level. However, both venues will also no doubt positively impact the many sporting communities fortunate enough to have access to them far beyond Rio 2016.

The WAIS high performance institute is scheduled for completion mid April 2015.